yonce

Earlier this week, we reported that R&B diva Beyoncé Knowles was under fire for her use of audio from the space shuttle 1986 Challenger crash that resulted in the deaths of  everyone on board.

Now, NASA has issued a response. 

From The Associated Press:

“The Challenger accident is an important part of our history; a tragic reminder that space exploration is risky and should never be trivialized,” said the statement from Lauren B. Worley, NASA’s press secretary. “NASA works every day to honor the legacy of our fallen astronauts as we carry out our mission to reach for new heights and explore the universe.”

NASA’s response came after Beyonce explained the use of the short snippet in a statement to ABC News Tuesday that stopped short of an apology. The sample appears at the beginning of her song “XO” from her new self-titled album.

Read more at Associated Press

Officials at NASA say the Space Shuttle Challenger “should never be trivialized”, with Challenger commander Dick Scobee’s widow describing Beyoncé’s use of the sample as “emotionally difficult”.

“My heart goes out to the families of those lost in the Challenger disaster,” Beyonce’s statement said. “The song `XO’ was recorded with the sincerest intention to help heal those who have lost loved ones and to remind us that unexpected things happen, so love and appreciate every minute that you have with those who mean the most to you.”

“XO” is about a failing relationship and taking the time to appreciate what one has in the moment because life changes.

Thoughts on the incident and NASA’s response?

Was Beyonce insensitive in her use of audio from the crash?

Sound off below!